5th Anniversary Road Trip - Ferndale to Fort Bragg

Everyone says you have to do it, and you know what? They are right!
Driving Highway One is a fantastic experience that is not to be missed. We drove on Highway One from Leggett to Valley Ford and let me tell you, it is beautiful!When you get off 101 in Leggett you are still in the forest close to the Avenue of the Giants and the Drive-thru tree, you wind through private property with the towering redwoods soaring high above as you come closer and closer to the ocean. Then, all of a sudden, you're there! The Pacific crashes out to you and you stare in amazement as you imagine this endless ocean going all the way to China.Jason always says that staring at the ocean reminds you of how little and insignificant your problems really are, he's right you know.

It's the roadside kitsch you've been looking for, along with some nicer things and the typical mugs and redwood items. The novelty shop has the same items that you are going to see elsewhere on the Avenue of the Giants, but there's a lot more of them (variety and amount) and they have the friendliest employees that we found. There was also a large selection of different large redwood pieces and a discount area for things with minor "bumps and bruises". Prices were quite reasonable.

They have the cleanest restrooms I have ever seen! They were also large and spacious. Free picnic area, a great photo opportunity, with a slice of a hollowed out tree, and home of the Immortal Tree which has survived fire, flood, being hit by lightning, and with an ax head as it's testament to this, the logger's ax.

This is not just another stop on the Avenue with a tree slice and gift shop. It's also a resort where you can pitch a tent, pull in your RV or sleep in a cabin.

Website: www.redcrestresort.com

The Innkeepers are Rich and Nancy, a nice friendly couple. They were happy to suggest local activities and had plenty of information about the town, along with the typical tourist brochures.

We stayed in Forget Me Not. The website says it has a microwave, but when I made the reservation it didn't. Not a big deal because there is one in the breakfast room that you can use anytime of day, along with microwave popcorn. We saw most of the rooms (they were booked solid both nights we were there, but we got peeks when people had checked out) and it appears Forget Me Not is probably the worst. It badly needs re-wallpapering as you can clearly see the outlines of what used to be hanging up due to the sun bleached wallpaper. Our room was clean upon entry, but while the bed was made the next day it appears someone forgot to sweep up. It was also very bright, we were able to get an extra sheet hung up over the door (glass paned) and that helped a lot. The bathroom was cramped, there was storage under the sink though.

Breakfast both days offered a choice of eggs (made your way), bacon or sausage, potatoes, toast, V-8 or juice and fruit cup, or you could have what I would call the daily special. Day One it was spice pancakes and Day Two it was spice Belgian waffles (yes, the same batter, but it was good) both with Bacon or Sausage, V-8 or Juice and fruit cup. The bacon was truly outstanding! No refills were offered on the juice or V-8. Rich makes all the food and Nancy comes around to take your order. There are four tables each with their own toaster. You can serve yourself coffee and tea and there's also hot chocolate or cider that you can add hot water to.

Parking was cramped in the small lot, but there was room for everyone. It's a safe area, I felt comfortable walking a short distance in the dark. Soap and shampoo were offered and fresh towels were brought in everyday.

We would stay at the Glass Beach Inn again, but in the main house, not in the little subdivided cottage out back.

Other rooms:
Malaysian and Oriental Jade are in the front and are the best rooms. Victorian Rose was lovely and is on the first floor in the middle with Country Comfort. Schooner Mendocino has a hanging bed that is a bit wobbly, especially if you get a little wild, but it's beautiful. It's on the second floor with Grandma's Attic. In the back of the cottage is Forget Me Not, Wildflower and Cottage in Rose.

Website: www.glassbeachinn.com
Prices: $115-$195, great winter deal for $70 a night one of the cheapest places in town!, they also have specials and anytime you spend 3 nights the 3rd night is half price. They also offer AAA and AARP discounts of 10%.

Mendocino Cookie Company has been family owned since 1984 and they cook up their cookies at The Company Store, a little shopping center in Fort Bragg.

Cookies are pricey at a bit over a dollar, but they are a nice size and a little way to treat yourself. Cookies come in various varieties and Megan had the peanut butter chocolate chip which was good. Jason had walnut and semi-sweet chocolate chip, which was soft and yummy.

They also have muffins, scones, pastries, ice-cream, and espresso drinks. Look around for coupons that give you a free cookie when you buy an espresso drink.

If you want to bring your laptop there is a little dining area where free wi-fi is provided by Mendocino Cookie Company.

Website: www.mendocinocookies.com
Alternate phone: 1-888-937-4842

The Bamboo Garden Spa is a peaceful serene place that is located in The Company Store, a large building in Fort Bragg that has a few small shops.

You check in at the retail store where you are given your pass to relaxation and bliss. You then take a short walk to the back of The Company Store where you can enter the spa itself.Megan was immediately struck by the beauty and quiet atmosphere. Hardwood floors and large slate gray tiles cover the floors, while bamboo mats are on the ceiling. The receptionist welcomes you in her stocking feet as shoes make too much noise. We were invited to sit in the lounging room and have water or tea until we were escorted to our treatment room.Our first stop was the Lotus Suite where we were to have an hour long tranquility time. There was a shower, a cedar sauna and a two person tub with 68 pinhole jets.Everything was very clean and there were plenty of towels, and hot tea and water available. Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash were available.We were able to relax in the sauna and tub together, although we couldn't have the bubbles up too much in the tub because they were very powerful. The tub was about 1/4 filled with very hot water when we entered and it was still hot after both of us showering and using the sauna.After an hour in the tranquility suite we were escorted to our treatment room (Jade) for one hour massages. The staff carried our bags for us as we left the room in sandals and robes that were provided for us during our time there. As a larger lady the robe was just big enough for Megan.Our hour long massage was offered by two competent therapists who were respectful and accommodating. As we had never had a massage before they were helpful and informative and willing to let us know what was going on. They were very flexible with allowing Megan to move as needed due to her various health problems. After the massage we were told to take our time dressing and then we could relax in the lounge until we were ready to leave. We enjoyed another cup of tea and then left very relaxed, already planning what services we would get the next time we visited.Cost of Tranquility Suite for 2 people for 1 hour $40. One hour massage for 2 $140.Address: 303 Main Street Suite C
Website: www.bamboogardenspa.com
Phone: 707-962-9396
Other services: Body Scrubs $85, Hair treatment $35, Body Masks $85, Spa Packages and discounts for locals available.

Piaci is a pizza gem and not only is it "Home of the Adult Pizza", it is also taking top honors in one of the best pies we've ever had!

Piaci is a tiny place tucked on a side street next to The Company Store. There is a bar that seats about ten, and three large tables for four people each, and two tables for two in the walkway to the bathrooms (although that's not a bad place to sit). The locals are here in droves, getting some pizza or having beer at the bar.

We had about a 20 minute wait to get a seat, but that's mostly due to the fact that we didn't want to sit at the bar and this one couple was taking a really long time.

We really wanted to get one of the starters, Ripieno ($5.95) but we passed due to our lack of cash. Gorgonzola stuffed mushrooms with wilted spinach, pesto and tomato sauce will just have to wait until our next visit.

There are no fountain drinks but there are plenty of choices when it comes to beer! There is also water, natural drinks, wine, lemonade and tea.

We had the Genoa (pesto, spinach, caramelized onions, mushrooms, parmesan, mozzarella and herbs) with a lemonade and ice tea. Our total was $19.50. There is Parmesan in a grater going around so you can grind up some fresh to sprinkle (or in Megan's case, douse liberally) on your pie.

The pie takes awhile to come out so look around at the changing art display or head back to pick up some tourist info and check out the bulletin board for upcoming local events.

Jason, our pizza man, says when they say "Adult Pizza" they aren't kidding. The crust is chewy with a great flavor and the toppings go beyond your basic pepperoni. The set toppings are innovative and created with the adult palate in mind.

Make sure you grab the waitress when you can because she's the only one bringing out the food. The bar has it's own staff of one, but the kitchen hums along with three.

If you don't want pizza try the focaccia, salads, calazones or lunch specials.

For cheap eats that aren't McDonald's, Piaci is the place to head to in Fort Bragg.

Lunch Hours: Monday-Friday 11am - 2pm
Dinner Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4pm - 9pm, Friday-Saturday 4pm - 10pm

North Coast Brewing Company has a brewery tour Saturdays at noon, there is no cost for the tour. No reservations are necessary. The talk begins in the gift shop and then goes into the brewery itself.

One of the more informative tours I've been on, our guide encouraged questions and explained the different things that his brewery was trying. The tour guide was not just a beer maker, but a beer drinker who was able to talk specifically about making a craft brew.

The tour wasn't just about making beer, it was about the rise of an industry and specifically what North Coast Brewing is doing to move itself forward. Currently (April 2006) they do not offer tastings, but they expect to have a beer garden up and running by September, so tastings can be a part of the tour.

As an appreciator of craft brews Jason found the tour informative, especially the finer points of beer making. I enjoyed seeing a small craft brewery and how it is different than a larger craft brewery. The bottling process was really unique. As a non-beer drinker Megan found the tour interesting and informative. I wasn't bored at all! We will be going back the next time we are in town to see the changes and improvements that have been made.

You are unable to take photos inside the brewery, but there are large picture windows out front where you can see the inner workings. Across the street where they started is their restaurant where you can taste the beer and get some grub.

Website: www.northcoastbrewing.com
They are open 7 days a week, 10am-ish to 5pm-ish.

After taking the brewery tour we headed over to the taproom and grill across the street. The place was packed and crowded with others from our tour. You can wait to be seated in the dining room, or grab a table in the taproom where you can also get food.

$5 buys you 4 tasters or $12 for 10 of them. Soda was expensive at $2.50, even though Megan was the designated driver and soda supposedly free for them. We looked at ordering some food, but the prices were crazy! $9 for a burger and $12 to $15 for an entree were not what we wanted. Prices were $2 to $5 more for dinner.

Service in the taproom area was slow and despite us sitting next to the ordering kiosk, Megan had to practically track one of the three service people down to get a soda refill.

Jason thought that PranQster was awesome, followed only slightly behind by the Old Stock Ale.

Thursdays they have a good special on pints, but if we go back it would only be for a drink, the food prices were crazy.

There was also a gift shop with brew gear and bottled beer was available as well.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 12-9:30, Friday and Saturday until 10:30. Kitchen closes an hour before closing.
Website: www.northcoastbrewing.com

The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens were breathtaking! You want to plan for an extended stay here, at least 2 hours. The gardens are located right on Highway One and are laid out beautifully. There are blooms year round, so anytime you come there's something to see. There are several mini gardens set up, including vegetables, roses, rhododendron, roses, heather, iris's, succulents, forest, the list goes on and on. In the first major section there are deer gates up, in the later half wild animals (deer) are allowed to roam.

There is a great walk from the entrance out to the coast cliffs that is spectacular. We plan to go back and take a picnic lunch (which is encouraged) to explore the gardens and walk all the way out and visit the Parrish Family Cemetery which is also on the site. There are plenty of little trails and benches to sit on. There are also picnic tables throughout the gardens.

The cost is $7.50 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for kids 13-17, $1 for kids 6-12 and free for those 5 and under. There are coupons in the local tourist magazines for $1 off (they even have some there if you need one) and discounts are offered for local residents.

You are welcome to bring well-mannered dogs on leashes, we saw several well behaved ones on our journey. There is also a gift shop and bountiful nursery.

Open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Saturday after Labor Day.
Hours: 9am - 5pm March-October and 9am - 4pm November-February.
Website: www.gardenbythesea.org
Phone: (707) 964-4352